Another axle question
03-10-2013, 02:06 PM
#1
JK Enthusiast
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Another axle question
I am currently running a d44 in the rear which I am perfectly happy with. However, my front axle is the stock d30. Right now I have 33" tires and do light wheeling which is fine for what I have, but I am either going to go up to a 35" or a 37" tire, and my question is should I build up this axle or go ahead and swap for a d44? Is one recommended over the other depending on the tire size? As soon as I get new wheels, my wheeling will go way up
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
03-10-2013, 02:20 PM
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JK Newbie
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Many will say the limit for the D30 is 35's, especially when you start to add stress to it by adding steeper gears or lockers. I ran 35's on my D30 with no issue, but I would add gussets if you plan to wheel.
37's will work on a stock D30 if you stay off the trails. I wouldn't recommend running a D30 with 37's under any off road condition, Most will say a dana 44's max wheelable size is a 37.
Save yourself the headache and get the 44.
37's will work on a stock D30 if you stay off the trails. I wouldn't recommend running a D30 with 37's under any off road condition, Most will say a dana 44's max wheelable size is a 37.
Save yourself the headache and get the 44.
03-10-2013, 02:31 PM
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If you can afford it, the D44 will be the best long term option for either size tire. If you do decide to keep the D30, I would reinforce it and stick with 35's.
03-10-2013, 03:21 PM
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Keep in mind a stock D44 front will have the same inner Cs and axle tube as a D30, the only difference is the pumpkin/internals. So unless you get a built aftermarket D44, you will inherit some of the weakness of the D30. I gusseted and sleeved my D30, went with RCV axles and ARB locker and run 35s comfortable off road.
03-10-2013, 03:30 PM
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Keep in mind a stock D44 front will have the same inner Cs and axle tube as a D30, the only difference is the pumpkin/internals. So unless you get a built aftermarket D44, you will inherit some of the weakness of the D30. I gusseted and sleeved my D30, went with RCV axles and ARB locker and run 35s comfortable off road.
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03-10-2013, 03:36 PM
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No, they are basically the same housings. The d44 just has a larger center section to fit the bigger d44 gears. Same tube diameter and thickness, same ends/c's, same brakes, they even use the same outer axle shafts. (the difference is the inner shafts and the r&p/carrier/locker)